How to build a high-performing team at work

"Interdependent people combine their own efforts with the efforts of others to achieve their greatest success."
– Stephen Covey

Does your team communicate well? Does everyone understand the team's culture, purpose and goals?

If the answer to either question is no, there is an opportunity to strengthen your team.

There are many activities, tools and techniques available to the team leader in order to develop a winning team, but what is right for you? A great deal of money is spent on team-building programmes at work, but do they really work?

Building your team is not like building a house; it is more like building a sustainable relationship. In the current economic climate, customer insecurity and keen competition have seen some companies go to the wall. Teams have become much leaner over the last few years, and teams need to be ready to adapt and change to respond to the competitive field in which they operate. The steps outlined here can also be used to develop teamwork in your personal relationships at home with your family, friends and personal networks.

Two foundations of a successful team

When developing a team, there are two key areas to focus on:

Team culture
Communication

Together, these form the foundation of a high-performing team.

Creating a positive team culture

Team culture is built around the organisation's values, vision, purpose and mission.

When people clearly understand why the team exists, what success looks like and how they contribute, they are far more likely to work together effectively.

Culture should never simply be imposed on a team. Instead, it should be created with the people who will bring it to life every day.

The importance of communication

Effective communication is one of the most important ingredients of successful teamwork.

It underpins almost every activity within an organisation, influencing relationships, collaboration, problem-solving and performance.

Strong communication is not just about sharing information. It is about ensuring that key messages are understood, encouraging open conversations and creating an environment where people feel comfortable contributing ideas and feedback.

A step-by-step plan to create your winning team

1. Meet individually with team members

Hold one-to-one conversations to understand each person's perspective.

Ask questions such as:

• What motivates you?
• Do you understand your role?
• Are expectations clear?
• What support would help you succeed?

2. Gather honest feedback

Conduct a team survey to understand how team members see themselves and how colleagues or stakeholders outside the team perceive them.

This often highlights strengths as well as opportunities for improvement.

3. Define the team's identity together

Work collaboratively to identify your team's:

• values
• vision
• purpose
• culture

These should be developed with the team rather than presented as a finished product.

People are far more likely to support something they have helped create.

4. Develop a clear communication strategy

Create a communication approach that ensures important messages are shared consistently throughout the team.

At the same time, encourage the development of interpersonal skills, including:

• active listening
• building rapport
• reading body language
• giving and receiving constructive feedback
• reflecting on how the team works together

5. Create a shared action plan

Develop a team action plan together.

When everyone contributes to setting goals and priorities, they are much more likely to take ownership of achieving them.

Team development takes time

These steps are intended as a guide for developing teams and not a quick fix.

Team development, like a relationship takes time to develop and with the right set of circumstances, a group of people can develop into a highly effective participative motivated team. However evidence suggests that the process can be accelerated if there is total commitment of the team leader and the overall decision maker.

Working with a coach can help identify what it is that you want to do to develop your team.  We can help you to identify your team priorities and long-term goals and work out how you are going to get to where you want to be.